Melissa DeRosa is Cuomo’s new communications chief

Can a 30-year-old be referred to as an old Capitol hand? Maybe a young old Capitol hand? If so, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has just named one to serve as his third communications director: Melissa DeRosa, who recently served as Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s acting chief of staff, will step into the post left vacated by Allison Gollust’s move to CNN.

DeRosa had been active in just about every segment of government activity, from personal and policy campaigns to lobbyist John Cordo’s shop.

From Cuomo’s news release:

“I am thrilled to welcome Melissa to our administration,” Governor Cuomo said. “I have known and respected Melissa for many years and believe her experience, character and intellect will be an invaluable asset as she leads our communications effort. A key component of restoring the people’s trust in government is effectively informing New Yorkers about the work their government is doing and I thank her for agreeing to bring her extraordinary talents to this effort.”

“New York has long been a national leader of progressive reform and that tradition has been reinvigorated under Governor Cuomo’s leadership,” said Ms. DeRosa said. “He has assembled a team that is committed to public service, eager to both take on challenges and create new opportunities for New Yorkers across the state. I am honored to serve with him and our colleagues to work to build on an already-impressive record of success.”

Melissa DeRosa, 30, has worked in New York State politics for the last decade.

Since 2011, Ms. DeRosa has worked in the Attorney General’s Office as Deputy Chief of Staff and most recently serving as Acting Chief of Staff. Her portfolio included managing the executive division, and directing strategic communications as well as the departments of intergovernmental and legislative affairs. Ms. DeRosa led the office’s effort to negotiate and pass the country’s most aggressive prescription drug reform package, I-STOP (Internet System for Tracking Over-Prescribing Act).

Prior to working for the AG, Ms. DeRosa served as New York State Director of Organizing for America, President Obama’s national political action organization. While at OFA, Ms. DeRosa developed and oversaw the grassroots strategy to lobby New York’s Congressional Delegation to vote in favor of the Affordable Care Act. In 2010, she developed and executed OFA-NY’s midterm strategy.

Before joining OFA, Ms. DeRosa served as the director of communications and legislation for Cordo and Company, an Albany based government affairs firm.

She was also the campaign manager for Tracey Brooks for Congress, deputy press secretary to Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, and deputy press secretary for the successful NY State Transportation Bond Act Campaign “Vote Yes” in 2005.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Labor Relations and a Masters Degree in Public Administration, both from Cornell University. She has served on the executive board of the Women’s Leadership Forum Network of the Democratic National Committee.